Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season offered a thrilling mix of surprises, underlining just how unpredictable the league can be when rosters shift and coaching philosophies take center stage. With every team still being a relative unknown until the opening snap, fans were treated to unexpected performances, breakout stars, and a few sobering reminders that the NFL is as much about preparation as talent.
As Week 2 approaches, navigating the new season’s early uncertainty can be tricky. However, Sporting News’ latest picks and predictions against the spread provide a roadmap for fans looking to approach the upcoming slate with some confidence. From potential revenge games to early breakout opportunities, here’s a breakdown of the most compelling matchups and projections for Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season.
(Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook)
Game of Midweek: Commanders at Packers (-3.5, 48.5 o/u)
Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video
Green Bay’s defense made a statement in Week 1, dominating one of the top NFC offenses at home. Now, the Packers face another formidable challenge in Washington, who will be looking to build on an improving offensive line. Unlike Detroit, Washington benefits from a mobile quarterback capable of creating plays both in the air and on the ground.
Jayden Daniels will be instrumental in this showdown against Jordan Love, using his agility to counter Green Bay’s pass rush. Meanwhile, the Packers will rely on the efficiency of Josh Jacobs to carry the running game.
Pick: Packers win 27-24 but fail to cover the spread
Game of the Week: Eagles at Chiefs (pick 'em, 47 o/u)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
Kansas City is entering Week 2 with a point to prove after last season’s Super Bowl disappointment. "The Chiefs are regretting not staying aggressive in the Super Bowl and that led to the Eagles taking control in a rout." While the Eagles enjoy the benefit of extra preparation and nearly equal rest, the Chiefs’ urgency will be palpable as they aim to avoid an 0-2 start.
Patrick Mahomes is expected to fire early alongside his veteran playmakers, while the defense will look to apply enough pressure to keep Jalen Hurts in check. Expect a closely fought game that will test both teams’ resolve.
Pick: Chiefs win 30-27 and cover the spread
Lock of the Week: Steelers (-3, 40.5 o/u) over Seahawks
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Steelers appear well-prepared with Aaron Rodgers orchestrating their diversified offensive attack. Seattle’s offensive line struggled in Week 1, and another run-heavy strategy will likely falter against a defense primed to rebound. Head coach Mike Macdonald will face familiar adversaries as his squad seeks to establish dominance on the road.
Pick: Steelers win 27-14 and cover the spread
Upset of the Week: Buccaneers (+3, 43 o/u) over Texans
Monday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN and ABC
Baker Mayfield has his offense humming once again, supported by the lineman Tristan Wirfs. "The Texans have nothing safe up front for C.J. Stroud, and their running game is their best offensive asset." The Buccaneers’ versatility and defensive schemes could tilt this Monday night matchup in their favor, even in Mayfield’s home state.
Pick: Buccaneers win 23-20
Jaguars at Bengals (-3.5, 49.5 o/u)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Jacksonville is still ironing out offensive inconsistencies after taking advantage of a struggling Panthers team in Week 1. Cincinnati’s offense will aim to regain rhythm at home, following an unusual second-half performance against the Browns. This matchup features a battle between consecutive No. 1 overall picks, with Joe Burrow projected to outduel Trevor Lawrence.
Pick: Bengals win 31-24 and cover the spread
Giants at Cowboys (-6, 44.5 o/u)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Giants are continuing to start Russell Wilson over rookie Jaxson Dart, but Dallas’ aerial attack is likely to overwhelm New York’s secondary. Expect a dominant performance by the Cowboys’ receivers, potentially prompting a Week 3 switch at quarterback for the Giants.
Pick: Cowboys 30-14 and cover the spread
Bears at Lions (-4.5, 47.5 o/u)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
Ben Johnson brings his team into a challenging short-week matchup against his former squad. Detroit’s early setbacks in Green Bay are expected to lead to a run-heavy approach with Jahmyr Gibbs, opening passing opportunities for Jared Goff. Still, Aidan Hutchinson and the Lions’ defense will do enough to keep Caleb Williams contained.
Pick: Lions win 24-21 but fail to cover the spread
Rams (-6, 41.5 o/u) at Titans
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Los Angeles’ defense has proven capable of pressuring the quarterback and playing above expectations in the secondary. Matthew Stafford’s performance is expected to be bolstered by a strong running game, leaving the Titans’ offense struggling to keep up.
Pick: Rams win 24-10 and cover the spread
Other Notable Picks
Patriots at Dolphins (-1.5, 44.5 o/u): Patriots rebound better under Mike Vrabel. Pick: Patriots 23-20
49ers (-6.5, 43.5 o/u) at Saints: Bosa and the 49ers’ defensive schemes dominate. Pick: 49ers 33-13 and cover the spread
Bills (-6.5, 45.5 o/u) at Jets: Buffalo wins narrowly but fails to cover. Pick: Bills 24-20
Ravens (-12.5, 45.5 o/u) at Browns: Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry power Ravens. Pick: Ravens 34-10 and cover the spread
Broncos (-2.5, 44.5) at Colts: Defense and running game lift Broncos. Pick: Broncos 20-17 and cover the spread
Panthers at Cardinals (-6.5, 45 o/u): Experience favors Arizona. Pick: Cardinals 24-20 but fail to cover
Falcons at Vikings (-4.5, 45.5 o/u): McCarthy and Jefferson propel Vikings. Pick: Vikings 30-20 and cover the spread
Chargers (-3.5, 46.5 o/u) at Raiders: Herbert edges the Chargers ahead. Pick: Chargers 27-20 and cover the spread
Week 1 Stats Recap
Record straight up: 12-3
Record against the spread: 8-6
2025 season record straight up: 12-3
2025 season record against the spread: 8-6
As Week 2 unfolds, teams will look to establish momentum and avoid early-season pitfalls. From the Chiefs seeking Super Bowl redemption to young quarterbacks testing their mettle in primetime matchups, this week promises intense competition and plenty of drama across the NFL landscape.